Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Silicon Valley

In his visit to Facebook headquarters Modi answered pre-selected questions from the audience in an interview moderated by founder Mark Zuckerberg, including a few touching on social media.

Talking about their campaign, a spokesperson for the group told Scroll, “The American public – and in particular, the leaders of Silicon Valley – must remember that Modi is not simply a prime minister making a trade visit, he is a man responsible for genocide”.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet President Barack Obama on Monday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meetings.

“We discussed how we can further refine our strategic vision”, said Obama after the hour-long talks, third between the two leaders in over a year.

Noting that India is the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Gautam Buddha who preached peace and non-violence to the world, he said, “the world has to realise that terrorism can hit anyone at anyplace, and it is the world’s responsibility to recognise it and unite against terrorism”.

A video grab shows Prime Minister Narendra Modi pulling aside Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg for a clear view to cameras.

“The Prime Minister’s thrust on promoting investments in India and fostering a better economic climate for doing business during his visit to Silicon Valley, USA, will be instrumental in enhancing foreign investment and giving a boost to country’s manufacturing sector”, Ficci said.

Meanwhile, Modi sought American support to complete the United Nations reform process, giving India a permanent UNSC seat, within a fixed time frame.

The prime minister’s West Coast trip also comes hot on the heels of a similar visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping. “iWays are as important as highways in 21st century, ” Modi said. “Your skill and commitment is wonderful”, he said addressing the Indian community at the packed SAP Centre here. “I am coming here after nearly 25 years and I am seeing a lot of changes including new faces”.

While thanking Zuckerberg for his kind gesture, PM Modi informed the Facebook CEO that he also changed his profile picture on Facebook for Digital India.

In the background, the music of “Chak De India” played to welcome Modi and the gathered crowd chanted “Modi, Modi”. Instead a positive approach that includes help for developing countries like financing and technology transfer was needed, he said. The company for now has not announced any manufacturing facilities in India and commercial viability of the batteries will also be a problem, but government is hopeful to break the impasse.